The number of National Park Service staff in Kotzebue is small and the acreage of the park is large. Visitors may not be able to contact a ranger if they have an emergency. Backcountry experience and self-sufficiency are vital. Your safety is your responsibility. Along with this comes tremendous opportunities for peace and solitude on a vast landscape. Visitors are not required to check in with staff at the headquarters office in Kotzebue or get a permit before starting a trip in the park. Cell phones do not work in the backcountry. Satellite phones do work, though, and many travelers choose to carry them for added safety. Carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) adds another layer of safety.
911 For All Emergencies
- For life and safety emergencies: Dial 911.
- If you're traveling somewhere without phone reception, you must be prepared to self-rescue and to be self-sufficient. Contact the park to learn more about staying safe in wild lands (907-442-3890).
Requesting National Park Service Help
To report a missing or overdue person traveling on national park lands in Alaska, or to request assistance from the National Park Servie, call:
- 833-477-9357 (toll-free, USA only)
- 907-683-2276 (local Alaska number, also works for international callers)
Crime Tips
You can help protect our treasured National Park Service (NPS) sites. If you see something suspicious in any NPS location, or if you have information that could aid an investigation, stay safe and tell us about it. Talk to any NPS employee for help in reporting suspicious activity.
- Call or text the tip line: 888-653-0009 (toll-free, USA only)
